Chapter 35
That night, Ming Yu didn't suffer from insomnia. He didn't toss and turn all night, instead having a sweet sleep. In the morning, he was full of vitality as he woke up. After washing up, Luo Ru's car was downstairs, so he quickly prepared to leave.
It was as if nothing had happened yesterday. Ming Yu didn't feel anxious about the name 'Xi Ze' and rushed to work as usual.
Luo Ru was an attentive person, but she didn't find any anomalies in Ming Yu. She saw Ming Yu in the rearview mirror and opened the door. At the same time, she handed him a bag of hot breakfast and said, "Ming Yu, Brother Zhao has gone to CX Entertainment today to talk about the MV cooperation. The negotiation might take a long time, so he won't be able to be present for the next two days. Today, we are going to make a series of advertisements for Shuyue Lemonade. You will be doing this for the next two days."
Ming Yu took the paper bag containing breakfast with a 'thank you.' After hearing Luo Ru's words, he replied, "Yes Sister Luo. I know. Then I will thank you for following me over the next two days."
Luo Ru smiled and shook her head. "This is my job." After a pause, Luo Ru added, "Come on, eat while it is hot. The meals that the crew provides might not be good. You need more nutrition, so today, I will give you five cups of the nutritional drink to help you grow taller quickly."
Ming Yu, “…”
Ming Yu wilted at the thought of the medicinal drink. That stuff was so terrifying that Xi Ze was just a slag compared to it.
A whole mess of things were put in the medicinal drink. Ming Yu had been drinking it for almost a month and he thought he could taste it, but Luo Ru always said it was just an illusion.
Ming Yu's mouth slightly twitched as he ate the soft bun, while turning to look at the sky outside the window.
The car slowly headed west and soon disappeared in the crowded traffic, no traces of it being seen.
Ming Yu didn't tell Luo Ru that he met Xi Ze last night, and he naturally didn't tell Zhao Rui. He could imagine what Luo Ru and Zhao Rui's reactions would be if they learned of the incident.
Zhao Rui would definitely worry. He had a good relationship with Ding Bo and would wonder if Ming Yu should really become the exclusive model. Luo Ru was even simpler. She would be very much in favour of Ming Yu cooperating with Xi Ze, and would work hard to make it happen.
Ming Yu's eyes slightly narrowed as he thought about it, looking up at the yellow orange sky out the window.
As Xi Ze said last night, the easier way to rise to the top of the fashion industry was to become his exclusive model. He was Xi Ze, his high fashion show was always at the peak of the industry, with each invited model being from the industry's top supermodels. Out of the 200 people on the supermodel list, Xi Ze invited at least 150.
As long as you appeared in Xi Ze's fashion show, you would naturally get many endorsements, advertisements and other jobs. These excellent jobs could quickly make you popular in the industry. He Chaoman appeared in this high-end fashion show not long after her debut, allowing her to miraculously be ranked 32nd on the female top supermodels list in two months!
But this time, Xi Ze's invitation to Ming Yu wasn't as simple as 'please appear in my fashion show.'
He was proposing: "Please only be mine."
It was a terrible agreement.
To any designer, their muse was the source of their inspiration. They would frantically grab this person and make them the most special person.
Xi Ze didn't elaborate during last night's speech, but Ming Yu could hear his meaning. Xi Ze wanted Ming Yu to become his exclusive model, and only walk in Xi Ze's shows.
In fact, this wasn't a bad thing. How many people dreamt about becoming Xi Ze's exclusive model? After all, Xi Ze only did four shows a year. Each show had more than 100 pieces, so it wasn't a small amount of work for a model.
But this wasn't what Ming Yu wanted.
At least until he possessed the power not to be affected by the name 'Xi Ze,' he would never have that brand before his name.
『 In the fashion industry, Ming Yu would never be Xi Ze's Ming Yu. 』
Ming Yu looked out the window at the skyscrapers flying by and drank the last of the soy milk. He sighed softly, put the paper bag on the seat next to him and leaned back against the soft chair, getting a small rest.
In the driver’s seat, Luo Ru heard Ming Yu sigh and looked at him, but couldn't find anything unusual.
Soon, the car arrived at a studio located on the West Fourth Ring Road. The staff members had waited at the door for a long time and hurriedly brought Ming YU and Luo Ru inside. Along the way, the staff members couldn't help looking at Ming Yu.
Today, Ming Yu was wearing a light blue coat over white-blue jeans, with a pair of leather boots on his feet. He was fair-skinned and handsome. The youthful style of clothing made him look more vibrant, plus he had an outstanding temperament. Once Ming Yu entered the studio, many eyes couldn't help falling on him.
Today, Ming Yu was going to shoot a series of advertisements for a beverage. Like many advertisements, this one intended to use 'love' as a line that was interjected through the ads. So, there would be two protagonists today. In addition to Ming Yu, Luo Ru said there was a second-tier actress.
Ming Yu just entered the studio when the deputy director hurried up to greet him.
As the deputy director, Cheng Yongzhi was responsible for on-site coordination. He was busy and became anxious over why the actress hadn't arrived yet. Therefore, he was delighted when he saw that Ming Yu had arrived half an hour early.
"Are you Ming Yu? Hello, you came very early today. Have you eaten breakfast yet?"
Ming Yu was surprised by this enthusiastic attitude. He naturally didn't know that just before, Chen Yongzhi had received a call telling him that the actress was stuck on the East Second Ring Road. How could he not be impatient? Now that he saw Ming Yu arriving early, he was so elated that he couldn't help feeling a touch of affection for Ming Yu.
Ming Yu smiled and reached out to the other person. "Hello, I have already eated. Are you Deputy Director Chen? Should I go to make-up now? I think by the time I finish the make-up, the timing will be similar."
Chen Yongzhi made a strange expression at these words and he gulped. "That… Ming Yu, you go to make-up. Later, if Yang Lala hasn't arrived yet, we will shoot you first. After all, you have a few solo shots."
Ming Yu sent Chen Yongzhi a meaningful look after hearing those words. After a long while, he gently smiled and nodded. "Yes Deputy Director Chen. Then I will now go to make-up."
Chen Yongzhi asked, "By the way Ming Yu, you have read the script, right?"
Ming Yu nodded. "Rest assured, Deputy Director Chen. I have spent the past few days reading the script."
At this point, Chen Yongzhi let the staff bring Ming Yu to the dressing room, while leaving to supervise the site layout.
Ming Yu and Luo Ru walked in the direction of the dressing room. On the way, Luo Ru laughed and asked, "The script should be good, right? Ming Yu, do you have many lines? Have you memorized them?"
Ming Yu was dumbfounded when he heard this. "Sister Luo, you must be joking. This script, I basically have no lines!"
That’s right.
No lines— This was why Ming Yu's choice of advertisement was very important.
Ming Yu knew that his acting was really… He couldn't bear to look at it. So, in order to not jeopardize others and for his own self-esteem, he didn't want to get involved in the entertainment industry. He was honestly about his abilities, and didn't want to harm the public.
In this advertisement, Ming Yu played a man selling drinks in a small roadside shop. When the heroine was distracted, he was responsible for delivering a bottle of Shuyue Lemonade to the heroine. When the heroine was excited about finding a job, he was responsible for delivering a bottle of Shuyue Lemonade to the heroine. The heroine was sad, he handed her lemonade. The heroine was grieving, he still handed her lemonade…
Handing over lemonade, handing over lemonade, handing over lemonade…
Such a simple job, he could still be just a beautiful face.
Ming Yu chose this advertisement for this reason, but Luo Ru was somewhat unhappy. "Well, this will earn points with advertisers and increase your exposure."
At this time, the two people arrived at the dressing room and the staff leading them went back to work. Ming Yu chuckled and raised an eyebrow at Luo Ru's words. "Sister Luo, why do you think I have no lines?"
Luo Ru was surprised and didn't know how to react. "What did you say?"
Ming Yu gave a low laugh, highlighting his exquisite facial features. He asked, "Do you know why Shuyue Lemonade looked for me to be in the advertisement?"
Luo Ru thought for a moment and replied. "Your popularity has risen lately. Your popularity among young people is even higher, so you are deserving to be chosen.”
Ming Yu shook his head and spoke lightly, "That isn't the most important reason. The most important and core reason is that they know I don't need a speaking part. They want my sense of presence."
Lou Ru's expression said: I don't believe that your acting is so good!
Ming Yu's face darkened and he quickly explained. "I mean that just by standing there, I will give off a presence…"
Even though he had never seen the actress, Ming Yu believed that he knew what type of attitude was required when handing over the lemonade… He needed to maximize his sense of presence, while not destroying the story of the advertisement.
The two people entered the dressing room. The make-up artist's method was good but her movements were a bit slow. Therefore, Ming Yu took 20 minutes to do his make-up.
His make-up was so light that it could hardly be seen with the naked eye. However, this simple modification made his face look younger and more handsome.
After putting on a T-shirt and jeans, forget among the staff members' amazed eyes. Even Luo Ru couldn't help staring at him before she praised him. "You really look good. Now that you are dressed like this, I finally believe that you are a 17 year old boy."
Chapter 36
Ming Yu arrived on set at the official time, where the entire crew was waiting for him to show up.
Luo Ru obviously underestimated the impact of her small model on others. The moment this tall and handsome young man appeared in everyone's vision, many people stared stupidly for a while, before waking up and continuing their tasks. However, they kept glancing over at Ming Yu.
There wasn't a clear boundary between the entertainment and fashion industries. Many stars began as models and gradually honed their acting ability, eventually taking part in movies or TV shows. But many celebrities didn't have such the outstanding figure and calm temperament.
Of course, there were also models who didn't hone their acting skills. Ming Yu was one of them.
The director saw Ming Yu and couldn't help asking. "This person isn't bad. Do you want to enter the entertainment industry?"
Look!
Ming Xiaoyu's face and body (184cm was a very good height in the entertainment industry!) were suitable. His temperament and aura? He wouldn't lose to any star on the red carpet. Ming Xiaoyu, he was a beauty that grabbed the eyes!
But in front of the director, Ming Yu just laughed with self-awareness. "You are praising me too much, Director Wang."
Wang Yao waved his hands as he heard this and said, "I mean it, Ming Yu. Your condition is really good. Aren't there are a lot of Muse models who enter the entertainment industry? You have the potential!"
Ming Yu just laughed without saying anything.
Then once the recording started, Director Wang stared at the teenager with a dumbfounded expression. His face was swollen.
[No acting skills, just a pretty face.]
This was the most appropriate evaluation of Ming Xiaoyu!
Wang Yao had shot many ads and even participated in TV dramas and movies. He had seen a lot of stars who couldn't act, but to be this stiff! The number… was only a few.
Obviously, Ming Yu was calm and full of momentum when talking photos or on the catwalk. However, as long as the filming project had a plot, Ming Yu completely wilted. Even when laughing, his expression was so stiff that it made the people on the set petrified.
Thus, a simple 'take the lemonade, bend down to organize the goods, look up and smile' turned out to be a NG?
This acting was impossible in the entertainment industry!!
Director Wang finally understood why Ming Yu looked so awkward when he asked "Do you want to enter the entertainment industry?" It wasn't a matter of pressure! It was because he was a pretty face!!
After the second NG, Wang Yao reluctantly wanted to reprimand the young man. But before he spoke, the beautiful youth came over with an ashamed expression and sincerely said, "Director Wang. I'm really sorry. I am using this period of time to figure out the feeling, and it is disturbing your progress."
Wang Yao, “…”
Disturbing the progress wasn't the problem!
Other people had NG more than a dozen, even 20 times. However, this was a simple 'smile like a child' so when would it end? You tell me!!!
Wang Yao was depressed, but all his anger vanished the moment he saw this sincere face. Such a beautiful child, he also had the good attitude to apologize.
Ah forget it, Wang Yao really couldn't be angry when seeing this face.
To the side, Luo Ru was stunned. Ming Yu had given her a preventative shot by always stressing that his acting skills were really bad. However, Luo Ru just thought that Ming Yu was joking.
You know, this youth was really too modest!
He had a first-class typhoon level catwalk, and a huge momentum when taking photos!
This youth was so good, how could his acting be bad?
Now Luo Ru had a true view of Ming Yu's skills. She hurriedly sent a text message to Zhao Rui: 【 Brother Zhao, when negotiating the MV, please be sure to minimize the drama scenes! Please!!! 】
Zhao Rui who didn't know anything, "….?"
Of course, Ming Xiaoyu's acting was a bit poor, but it wasn't so bad as to keep getting NGs on ads with no lines. After a few takes, Ming Yu was in a good state (probably a warm-up state for an ordinary actor) and no longer got any NGs. He passed a few scenes.
By the time it was lunchtime, Ming YU had filmed all the solo shots. At this moment, the crew members were ready to eat while also waiting for the actress, who didn't appear from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It took a full two hours.
At 15:04, the second-tier actress finally arrived at the studio carrying a small purse. Ming Yu no longer cared about his image, and was squatting in a corner to carefully study the script and figure out what type of expression he should take when playing opposite the actress.
The moment the actress entered, her assistant gave a small cake to all the staff at the scene, with Luo Ru taking two.
“Brother Wang, I'm really sorry! You know, it takes one day to go one block in the capital! I thought I was going to collapse coming from the Second Ring Road. Has everyone had afternoon tea? I'll buy you tea as an apology!"
Wang Yao nodded with a sneer. "Well, go to make-up first. We have been waiting for you for a long time. Now there are only the scenes with you and the actor."
While talking, Wang Yao turned to look at Ming Yu in the corner, causing Yang Lala to also follow his gaze. From Yang Lala's point of view, she could only see a vague figure squatting (Ming Xiaoyu thought this posture inspired him) and shook her head with dislike, then headed to make-up.
Once Yang Lala finished, she walked out and saw a beautiful man whose whole body looked like it was shining!! —These were Yang Lala's exact words.
Ming Yu was currently looking down and chatting to Luo Ru about something. Yang Lala looked at him with glowing eyes, before coming up to Wang Yao and asking with an embarrassed expression. "Wang… Brother Wang, did you change the actor? This man looks so good, much better than the one you pointed out before!"
The confused Wang Yao, "…Ah? What did you say?"
Yang Lala immediately shook her head with a shy expression. She held her red face and moved to the filming area, leaving a surprised man behind. Wang Yao touched his head and whispered, "Is Yang Lala crazy? What change in actors? She wants a change?"
Yang Lala was a popular Shuyue Lemonade spokesperson. She debuted two years ago as female idol number two in a drama. Originally, even the producers didn't have high expectations for the idol drama that had a low cost. However, it turned out to be a hit and the people involved became popular.
Yang Lala's acting was good and she was also pretty, so she became a big name. Her family had a little money and she was also a rising star in the entertainment industry. Thus, when she was late today, Wang Yao couldn't say anything because this Shuyue Lemonade was Yang Lala's own product!
Yang Lala approached Ming Yu, who looked down at her.
Yang Lala… she wasn't tall. Her height of 160cm meant that Ming Yu really had to bow her head to see her. However, her appearance was good and she had a sweetness that was the trend lately, so she was popular with the public.
Ming Yu smiled gently when he saw Yang Lala and spoke in a gentlemanly manner. "Hello Yang Lala, I am Ming Yu. I will be working with you today."
Yang Lala was shy? She nodded and said, "Then Brother Ming Yu, just call me Lala. We shouldn't be unfamiliar with each other.
The 17 year old Ming Yu, "…?"
The 21 year old Yang Lala, "～（≧▽≦）/～"
Before filming, Ming Yu and Yang Lala exchanged a few words to become more familiar with each other. Ming Yu had met many female fans in the past so Yang Lala was… well, a little bit less extreme than them.
As the two exchanged words, Ming Yu clearly perceived that the other person's eyes were fixed to him, never moving from his body. But as soon as he looked at her, Yang Lala laughed 'hehehe' as if nothing happened.
Ming Yu thought carefully and recalled that in this advertisement, the most intimate action was touching hands.
He couldn't help sighing gently at this, secretly thinking that his chastity seemed to be saved.
Once the two people started filming, Ming Yu's squatting in the corner seemed to work. He wasn't great, but it was enough to make Wang Yao reluctantly satisfied. Yang Lala's acting was completely natural compared to Ming YU, so there were no NGs. The filming was smooth and evening soon arrived.
Today's shooting schedule was supposed to end at 6 p.m., so it should by over. However, an hour before it was supposed to end, Ming Yu found Director Yang and spoke with embarrassment, "Director Yang, today can we shoot more scenes at night?"
Wang Yao was surprised and asked, "Why?"
Ming Yu replied with an awkward expression. "That… I am worried that I will take a long time to find the feeling tomorrow, wasting everyone's time."
Wang Yao, “…”
Do you really think you have found the feeling now?
He was worried about how the youth would perform if he didn't have the feeling, so Wang Yao agreed to Ming Yu's suggestion. Yang Lala wasn't difficult and easily agreed. Being able to stay with this handsome person for a while, it was great!
Thus, the crew filmed for another hour. Then they intended to eat before starting the filming again.
Luo Ru handed a hot lunch box to Ming Yu, as well as a cup of medicinal drink. Ming Yu took the box of rice and medicinal drink with a dark expression. He had just opened it to drink when Yang Lala asked him, "Brother Ming Yu, what are you drinking?"
The 17 year old Ming Yu, "…Something good."
The 21 year old Yang Lala, "Ah, it really looks like a good drink. By the way, Brother Ming Yu, I haven't added you to my friends list! Do you have anything to do after this advertisement filming is over. I heard…"
The two people talked for a while. Well, it was basically Yang Lala talking while Ming Yu didn't know if he should laugh or cry at being called 'Brother Ming Yu.' Ming Yu had just lifted the cup of medicinal soup with a determined expression when he heard cries of surprise from the studio's door.
Ming Yu put down the cup and turned his head in the direction of the sound.
Yang Lala also looked surprising, turning her head why muttering, "Why are they suddenly crying out? What’s going on?" How dare they disturb her time talking with Ming Yu!
Luo Ru stood up and said, "I will see what is going on. Just wait."
But Luo Ru hadn't even taken two steps when she suddenly saw Deputy Director Chen nervously coming from the direction of the voices. He saw Ming Yu and hastily pulled him to the location. Along the way, he said, "Someone from Muse came to see you work Ming Yu. He came to see you, so you should go and see him!"
Ming Yu jerked with surprise and asked, "Someone from the company came to see me work? Do you know who it is, Mr. Chen?" He didn't have any good friends in the company who would come to see him work, right?
Deputy Director Chen was surprised by the words and replied seriously, "Yes! He came to see you work! Do you think anyone else would make the crew so excited?”
“Of course, it is Xi Ze!"